The new Sam Houston Cane Award recognizes entities of the university that do not fall within the parameters of the current student leaders and organization categories. These groups may be university funded entities, university departments, or other on campus initiatives that contribute back to the university in the areas of spirit, tradition and service.

"The Sammys" Recipient Luncheon Honors Leaders

A luncheon honoring all recipients for the "The Sammys" (established in 2010) now annually takes place in the weeks following the ceremony. This luncheon honors those students and faculty/staff who received awards held at the preceding ceremony.

Gaertner-Performing Arts Center Plays Home For Ceremony

Since 2011 ‘The Sammys’ home site has been the James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center-Payne Concert Hall. The ceremony was previously held in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom, but due to needing a larger capacity facility moved to the new state of the art GPAC.